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The Evolution of the CAT 320 Series
The Caterpillar 320 hydraulic excavator has become one of the most recognized machines in the medium-duty earthmoving category. First introduced in the early 1990s, the 320 series was designed to bridge the gap between compact excavators and large-scale mining units. Over the decades, Caterpillar refined the model with improved hydraulics, emissions compliance, and operator-focused technology. The latest generation, the CAT 320 GC and CAT 320, offers enhanced fuel efficiency, integrated grade control, and payload monitoring systems.
Caterpillar, founded in 1925, has sold hundreds of thousands of excavators globally, with the 320 series consistently ranking among its top performers. The machine is widely used in construction, demolition, utility trenching, and aggregate handling.
Terminology Notes
As of recent data, the price of a used CAT 320 excavator in the United States typically ranges between $135,000 and $168,000 USD. This variation depends on several key factors:
Performance Specifications and Capabilities
The latest CAT 320 offers:
Operator Experience and Field Stories
A contractor in Florida reported that his CAT 320 equipped with Payload and Grade Assist reduced trenching time by 30%. The onboard scale helped avoid overloading dump trucks, while the grade system eliminated the need for manual laser checks.
In another case from Malaysia, a fleet manager used VisionLink to monitor fuel consumption across 12 CAT 320 units. By adjusting idle times and optimizing shift patterns, he saved over $15,000 USD in fuel costs over six months.
Maintenance Tips and Upgrade Suggestions
To maintain peak performance:
Caterpillar’s 320 series is manufactured in multiple global facilities, including the U.S., China, and Brazil. The company’s dealer network spans over 180 countries, ensuring parts availability and service support. The 320’s popularity stems from its balance of power, technology, and reliability, making it a go-to choice for contractors and rental fleets.
According to industry reports, medium excavators like the CAT 320 represent over 40% of global excavator sales, with demand driven by infrastructure development and urban expansion.
Conclusion
The CAT 320 excavator remains a cornerstone of modern earthmoving, combining mechanical strength with digital intelligence. Its price reflects not just the machine’s capabilities, but its potential to improve productivity and reduce operating costs. Whether digging foundations or loading trucks, the 320 delivers consistent performance backed by decades of engineering refinement.
The Caterpillar 320 hydraulic excavator has become one of the most recognized machines in the medium-duty earthmoving category. First introduced in the early 1990s, the 320 series was designed to bridge the gap between compact excavators and large-scale mining units. Over the decades, Caterpillar refined the model with improved hydraulics, emissions compliance, and operator-focused technology. The latest generation, the CAT 320 GC and CAT 320, offers enhanced fuel efficiency, integrated grade control, and payload monitoring systems.
Caterpillar, founded in 1925, has sold hundreds of thousands of excavators globally, with the 320 series consistently ranking among its top performers. The machine is widely used in construction, demolition, utility trenching, and aggregate handling.
Terminology Notes
- Hydraulic Excavator: A machine that uses hydraulic cylinders to power its boom, stick, and bucket for digging and lifting.
- Payload System: A built-in scale that measures material weight in the bucket, helping operators optimize load cycles.
- Grade Control: A system that assists operators in maintaining precise digging depth and slope, reducing rework.
- Smart Mode: An engine setting that automatically adjusts power output based on load conditions to conserve fuel.
- VisionLink: Caterpillar’s telematics platform for tracking machine performance, location, and maintenance data.
As of recent data, the price of a used CAT 320 excavator in the United States typically ranges between $135,000 and $168,000 USD. This variation depends on several key factors:
- Year of manufacture
- Total operating hours
- Condition of undercarriage and hydraulic components
- Presence of factory-installed technology (Grade Assist, Payload, etc.)
- Region and dealer support availability
Performance Specifications and Capabilities
The latest CAT 320 offers:
- Operating weight: approx. 22,000 kg
- Net power: 121 kW (162 hp)
- Bucket capacity: 0.8–1.2 cubic meters
- Maximum digging depth: 6.7 meters
- Fuel consumption: up to 20% lower than previous models due to Smart Mode and hydraulic efficiency
Operator Experience and Field Stories
A contractor in Florida reported that his CAT 320 equipped with Payload and Grade Assist reduced trenching time by 30%. The onboard scale helped avoid overloading dump trucks, while the grade system eliminated the need for manual laser checks.
In another case from Malaysia, a fleet manager used VisionLink to monitor fuel consumption across 12 CAT 320 units. By adjusting idle times and optimizing shift patterns, he saved over $15,000 USD in fuel costs over six months.
Maintenance Tips and Upgrade Suggestions
To maintain peak performance:
- Replace hydraulic filters every 500 hours
- Inspect bucket teeth and cutting edges weekly
- Monitor undercarriage wear and track tension monthly
- Use VisionLink to schedule preventive maintenance
- Update software for Grade and Payload systems annually
- Installing quick couplers for faster attachment changes
- Retrofitting with cab cameras and proximity sensors
- Adding auxiliary hydraulic lines for specialized tools
- Equipping with anti-theft GPS tracking
- Using high-efficiency LED lighting for night operations
Caterpillar’s 320 series is manufactured in multiple global facilities, including the U.S., China, and Brazil. The company’s dealer network spans over 180 countries, ensuring parts availability and service support. The 320’s popularity stems from its balance of power, technology, and reliability, making it a go-to choice for contractors and rental fleets.
According to industry reports, medium excavators like the CAT 320 represent over 40% of global excavator sales, with demand driven by infrastructure development and urban expansion.
Conclusion
The CAT 320 excavator remains a cornerstone of modern earthmoving, combining mechanical strength with digital intelligence. Its price reflects not just the machine’s capabilities, but its potential to improve productivity and reduce operating costs. Whether digging foundations or loading trucks, the 320 delivers consistent performance backed by decades of engineering refinement.
